The past year has given us a new perspective – and new challenges. These changes remind us that with crisis comes opportunity. Big leaps forward have historically come from crisis. Twenty years ago there was a financial crisis and one result was the gig economy. Prior to that you wouldn’t have thought of paying to sleep in someone’s extra bedroom or using your own car as a taxi service.
Crisis challenges you to see things in a new light, sometimes because you are forced to, and the result is progress.
These changes impact all sectors of our economy, including nonprofits. Many businesses – nonprofit and for-profit – did not survive the COVID 19 crisis, increasing community needs and depriving residents of resources. Additionally, the nonprofit sector has been called on to the lead the movement for diversity, equity and inclusion.
This is a moment in time, you are called to act. That is all the more reason to be aware of the threats and opportunities and to prepare for a brighter future for all.
Here are some crisis/opportunity challenges that are impacting nonprofit leadership today:
Untethered workers.
Being in the right place is no longer a requirement. Technology has opened communication, giving us quick, easy, and cheap global interaction. Geographic restrictions and limitations have been completely rethought as a result of the quarantine for Covid19. Yes, working remotely is possible!
How this impacts your communication: Nonprofits are challenged to find ways to stay connected internally and externally. When clients don’t have internet access, solutions have to be found so that communication continues. Previous geographic boundaries may not matter, giving you a broader reach for volunteers and donors.
We’ve got company.
New categories of businesses including B Corps, Public Benefit Corporations, and Social Enterprises are reshaping the way a purpose driven organization operates. At the same time, corporations are finding value in addressing social issues. Nonprofits might look to them as partners or models for restructuring organizations.
How this impacts your communication: It’s time to open up the conversation, seek partners, and look at what your organization can do differently or better. Could you run a for-profit business in support of your vision?
A generation of activists.
More than ever, organizations have well-educated work forces. New employees expect to contribute right from the start. Smart, motivated workers join nonprofits with the expectation of making a contribution to society. The forward-looking for-profit companies (above) may offer employees a better work experience.
How this impacts your communication: Include everyone in the conversation so that all employees are heard and have an opportunity to speak. Pay attention to what the new workers bring: tech skills, diversity, and a fresh voice. Find ways to empower everyone to be a force for change in the community.
Many voices.
Recent events have awakened us to the fact that there is work to be done to make our organizations truly diverse and inclusive. Nonprofits have the opportunity to lead the way in ensuring that everyone is treated with dignity. Internally, your organization benefits from hearing many perspectives and experiences.
How this impacts your communication: Organizations that empower many voices to speak and listen will be richer and more diverse. This allows you to reach and serve a broader community and multiplies the number of connections and opportunities open to you.
Let’s get together.
For years there has been talk about mergers and collaboration, but little action. The time has come to move forward together. This may be simply a means of survival. On a deeper level, if your organization is committed to a vision, then everyone else committed to that same vision is an ally (not competition). If you are focused on the vision, your organization will find liked minded partners.
How this impacts your communication: This is the time to identify which other organizations share your vision. Be the catalyst that starts the conversation about making a greater impact together.
These and other trends will impact how you work. Communication is the starting point for change, progress, and opportunity.